Things to do in Alabama
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Vulcan Park
- Birmingham, USA
- Sights › Park
Visible from all over the city thanks to the world's largest cast-iron statue, the park offers fantastic views for free, and an observation tower.
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Dreamland
All rib-lovers and barbecue fiends must make their own dreamy and meaty pilgrimage to Birmingham's franchise of Dreamland, an Alabama and Georgia mini-chain.
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Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
A maze of moving audio, video and photography exhibits tell the story of racial segregation in the USA, from WWI and the Civil Rights movement to racial and human-rights issues around the world today, and it reveals the complicated and shocking layers of Birmingham's history. A new $2.5-million renovation has spruced up displays and added an extensive exhibit on the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963.
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16th Street Baptist Church
This became a gathering place for meetings and protests in the 1950s and '60s. When Ku Klux Klan members bombed the church in 1963, killing four girls, the city was flung into a whirlwind of social change. Today the rebuilt church is a memorial and a house of worship (services 10:45am Sunday).
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Unclaimed Baggage Center
East of Huntsville in Scottsboro, you'll find the infamous Unclaimed Baggage Center that draws pilgrims from far and wide who peruse the now-for-sale belongings of unfortunate air travelers who have lost their baggage irrevocably down the dark annals of fate. Sucks for them, fabulous deals for you.
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Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuary
The biggest highlight is the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuary, where you'll find what many people consider to be some of the best birding in the southeast. In addition, you'll encounter uncrowded beaches accessed only by hiking paths, placards explaining the flora and fauna, and several miles of winding trails.
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Rosa Parks Museum
A tribute to Mrs Parks (who died in October 2005), the mu-seum features a sophisticated and wacky video re-creation of Montgomery's history of racial conflict and also the bus-seat protest.
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Highlands Bar & Grill
One of internationally acclaimed chef Frank Stitt's eateries, and arguably Birmingham's best restaurant, the sumptuous menu features meat and seafood beautified by a flash of sophistication borrowed from both southern France and traditional Southern cuisine.
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US Space & Rocket Center
The US Space & Rocket Center is a combination science museum and theme park. It's a great place to take a kid, or to become one again. The center has IMAX films, exhibits, rides and video presentations.
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Nomad Supply
You gotta love hippies who have it together. Cross on over the invisible racial lines to Nomad Supply where you can buy vegan cookies, use the internet for free, and buy peace-loving, ecofriendly wares.
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Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum
The writers' home from 1931 to '32 now houses first editions, translations and original artwork including a mysterious self-portrait of Zelda in pencil.
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Savage's Bakery
Savage's Bakery has been a Birmingham institution since 1939. It is the perfect spot to grab a sweet snack, like an Almond Macaroon, Pecan Nugget or Swedish Dream, while shopping in Homewood.
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Chris' Hot Dog
This funky hot-dog dive has been a Montgomery institution since 1917 and was a favorite drinking den of Hank Williams.
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Oak Mountain State Park
Twelve miles south of town, off I-65 exit 246, Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama's largest state park, where you can hike, camp, boat or chill out on the lakeside beach.
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Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
The Carver Performing Arts Center houses the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, which celebrates jazz musicians such as Dinah Washington, Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington.
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Hank Williams Museum
Pays homage to the country-music giant and Alabama native, a pioneer who effortlessly fused hillbilly music with African American blues.
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Montgomery Brewing Co
A lively hub of activity, the MBC is located in a neat little warehouse district by the ballpark. Try the house-made Montgomery Blonde brew with a burger or alligator tail.
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Moe's Original BBQ and Blues Revue
Moe's prides itself on serving the freshest food possible - dinner is served till it runs out - and has live blues music Thursday and Friday. The patio is a total plus.
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Sol Y Luna
Thirsty patrons can order tequila flights (and then a taxi) at this inviting Mexican restaurant- cantina, which specializes in small plates and has a fabulous patio.
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Birmingham Museum of Art
Collects work from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Don't miss the work of Rodin, Botero and Dalí in the sculpture garden.
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Pete's Famous Hot Dogs
This closet-size downtown joint has been serving since 1915 and makes a good choice for inexpensive but tasty fare. Wolf down your dogs on a nearby park bench.
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Alabama Music Hall of Fame
The area has some acclaim for music history, and the cheesy-cool Alabama Music Hall of Fame immortalizes both Hank Williams and Lionel Richie.
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Key Underwood Coon Dog Cemetery
Key Underwood Coon Dog Cemetery, near Cherokee, pays homage to over 185 trusty beasts who have so loyally guided their masters.
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Tennessee River Guide Service
Tennessee River Guide Service will take you to the lakes of Tennessee River to catch some smallmouth and crappie.
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Lou's Pub & Package Store
After dinner, you simply must wind up at this glorious dive, with its salty proprietor who calls everybody 'baby.'
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